Piva Lake Viewpoint

Plužine, Montenegro

When the Via Dinarica White Trail crossed into Montenegro, we knew we were walking into threatened territory.
Save the Blue Heart of Europe is an NGO working hard to protect Europe's last wild rivers from being dammed for hydroelectricity. An astounding 2800 dams have been proposed, which would create more lakes like this one. While it looks beautiful, it's destructive. It kills off native species, alters the landscape and lowers biodiversity.
The Balkans simply don't have the demand for the power these dams would create. They're being built by foreign companies for export.
Over two weeks in Montenegro, we saw some of its largest lakes, climbed its highest peaks, and descended its deepest river canyons. The landscape is stunning and, with tourism growth, hopefully awareness will grow to help it remain beautifully wild.
Image 7/10 from the Via Dinarica White Trail/ #troverRT

I focus on the art and craft of adventure, blending photography, writing and video with a keen passion for storytelling. I travel to share outdoor stories from across the globe. In the past five years, I have thru-hiked the Via Dinarica White Trail; bikepacked the Tour Divide route; and ski toured, hiked, and scrambled to summits on four continents. Through social media, I strive to inspire people to get outside and explore.